The Eagles are already deep into their search for a new offensive coordinator, coach Nick Sirianni confirmed Thursday, marking the team’s fifth change at the position in six seasons.
At a Glance
- The Eagles will hire their fifth offensive coordinator since 2020
- Sirianni says he’s open to any scheme that “best helps” the offense evolve
- Top candidates likely require full control of play-calling and staff
- Jalen Hurts has voiced desire for stability after constant turnover
- Why it matters: Philadelphia’s Super Bowl hopes hinge on finding the right play-caller-and keeping them
Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman addressed reporters during the club’s end-of-season press conference, outlining a criteria that emphasizes adaptability over any single system. “You’re looking to continue to evolve as an offense and I’m looking to bring in the guy that’s going to best help us do that,” Sirianni said. “There are many different ways to be successful on offense.”
A Revolving Door Since 2020
Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator timeline under Sirianni:
| Year | Coordinator | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Shane Steichen | Hired as Colts head coach |
| 2022 | Brian Johnson | Fired after one season |
| 2023 | Brian Johnson | Promoted, then dismissed |
| 2024 | Kellen Moore | Left for Panthers OC job |
| 2025 | Kevin Patullo | Not retained after one year |
The constant shuffle has frustrated quarterback Jalen Hurts, who values continuity in scheme and play-calling. Sources told News Of Philadelphia that Hurts has privately expressed a desire for a long-term coordinator relationship to build on-field chemistry and offensive identity.
Autonomy Becomes a Deal-Breaker
Sirianni’s level of involvement in 2026 remains undecided and will depend on the hire. When the Eagles brought in Kellen Moore last offseason, Sirianni ceded day-to-day control of the offense. After Moore’s departure and Patullo’s promotion, Sirianni re-inserted himself into play-sheet construction late in the season.
“That’s way too early,” Sirianni said when asked about his future role. “As the head coach, you always have to be oversight of everything.”
Top-tier candidates are expected to demand:
- Final say on game-planning and play-calling
- Authority to hire their own position coaches
- Multi-year contract security
Roseman declined to confirm whether the new coordinator will choose the offensive staff, saying that detail will “depend on the individual hire.”
Success vs. Stability
Roseman framed the frequent departures as a by-product of winning. “It’s a great compliment when guys get head coaching jobs from here because it means we’re having tremendous success,” he said. “We want to win. We have an urgency to win right now.”
The Eagles have reached the playoffs in four straight seasons, won an NFC title and appeared in one Super Bowl during Sirianni’s tenure. That track record has turned Philadelphia into a springboard for assistants seeking head-coaching opportunities.
Still, the front office acknowledges the downside. Constant scheme changes can stunt player development, especially for a quarterback who has worked under four play-callers in five seasons.
Candidate Pool Favors Head-Coaching Types
Many of the league’s known offensive coordinator candidates this cycle are either former head coaches or viewed as future ones. If the Eagles land an A-list hire, they could face another search in 12 months.
Among names linked to the opening:
- Former head coaches looking to rehabilitate their stock
- Current play-callers on playoff teams
- Top offensive assistants with head-coaching buzz
Sirianni indicated he is comfortable with that risk. “We’ll live with” losing talented assistants if it means winning games, he said.
What Happens to Patullo?
Kevin Patullo is not expected to return as coordinator after one season, though he could remain on staff in a different capacity. Sources told News Of Philadelphia that Patullo’s game-planning and gameday operation drew consistent criticism inside the building, prompting Sirianni’s increased involvement down the stretch.
Patullo had never called plays at the NFL level before 2024. The Eagles scored 30-plus points seven times but also failed to reach 20 points in five games, including a wild-card loss to Tampa Bay.
Hurts Caught in the Middle
The quarterback enters the final guaranteed year of his contract hoping for continuity that has eluded him since 2020. Hurts has shown incremental statistical growth each season, yet the offense has changed identities annually:
- 2021: Run-heavy with RPO concepts under Steichen
- 2022: Pass-first attack with A.J. Brown addition under Johnson
- 2023: Balanced approach featuring Dallas Goedert under Johnson
- 2024: Motion-heavy West Coast system under Moore/Patullo
- 2025: TBD under new coordinator
Timeline and Process
The Eagles hope to conclude the search before the Senior Bowl later this month so the new coordinator can begin assembling a staff. Senior assistants from other clubs cannot officially interview until their teams are eliminated from the postseason, complicating the timeline.
Sirianni said interviews are ongoing and the team has already spoken with multiple candidates. He declined to provide names or specify whether any finalists have received second interviews.
Key Takeaways
- Philadelphia will hire its fifth offensive coordinator in six seasons, the most in the NFL over that span
- Sirianni is open to any offensive scheme and will tailor his involvement to the chosen candidate
- The Eagles prioritize winning over continuity, accepting that success breeds head-coaching opportunities for assistants
- Jalen Hurts’ desire for stability will be weighed against landing the best available play-caller
- The next coordinator will likely demand-and receive-unprecedented autonomy over offense and staff
